Plane spotters who obstructed vehicles in a lay-by and parked on the verge of a busy road were issued with tickets by police.

Officers were called to the layby on the A487 between the Cross Foxes pub and Minffordd near Dolgellau after vehicles were blocked by other drivers.

The fine sunny weather and the Royal International Air Tattoo being staged at RAF Fairford near Gloucester this weekend attracted hundreds of photographers keen to see rare and unusual aircraft flying the Mach Loop.

Dozens of cars had packed into the lay-by by 6am on Wednesday.

While other vehicles parked on grass verges nearby some enthusiasts simply parked their cars in the layby blocking other vehicles in.

Enthusiast Tony Billings from Welshpool , who visited the Talyllyn area, said: “It was chaotic from the early morning and tempers flared and the police were called. But there was little officers could do until the drivers of the vehicles which were parked inconsiderately in the lay by returned off the hillside.”

Although local authorities lead on parking enforcement these powers do not extend to areas alongside major trunk routes.

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Writing on a Mach Loop Facebook page Pete Hurst said: “Some shocking irresponsible parking today those who parked there like they did should be ashamed.”

Pete Nobrot Cross added: “It was dangerous, a tanker lorry had to swerve into the other lane just as a campervan came over the hill... it woke both drivers up.”

Mr Billings said the area could be a victim of its own success.

“It was a cracking day weatherwise. Clear, sunny and warm and the Loop was busy with lots of interesting aircraft flying through. I saw the Belgian Air Force F-16s in their display colours and a pink-coloured RAF Tornado which many had come to see.